Here, African elephants roam wild, sharing their territory with the ancestral home of the Tembe people, who co-own and manage the Tembe Safari Lodge.

Conservation and community are high on this reserve’s list, with the opportunity to spot not only elephants and other members of the Big Five, but some of the more than 340 bird species found in the park, as well as one of the world’s smallest antelope, the suni.

Kruger National Park

A firm favourite for tourists and locals alike. With one of the country’s largest elephant populations at over 11 000, the park almost guarantees you’ll be able to tick the gentle giant off your list of sightings. Stretching across nearly two million hectares of land encompassing two provinces and two countries, the Kruger National Park is divided into 6 ecosystems, and is home to over 400 species of birds and mammals.

With plenty of places to stay and a wide variety of activities in and around the park, a trip to the Kruger Park is everything you’re looking for in a wildlife experience.

Knysna Elephant Park
If you’re looking for an elephant experience that’s a little more hands on, the Knysna Elephant Park is the place for you. The first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants, the park is currently home to the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country.

By allowing the elephants to interact with each other in a natural setting, the park is able to encourage instinctive elephant behaviour, and add to your experience.